Cat lovers have heralded the use of catnip for decades. Because of catnip effects, though, it has been a controversial herb in many circles. Some cat lovers say that catnip is bad for a cat while others say it has no lasting effects and is safe because it is natural. If you are worried about using catnip for cats in your household, knowing some simple facts might put your mind at ease. Here are some of the more frequently asked questions about catnip that can help you get informed about the controversial herb and make your own decision.

What is catnip?Catnip comes from a plant that belongs to the mint plant family. There are several variations of catnip. If you want to, you can even grow it in your own backyard. The active ingredient in catnip leaves is nepetalactone, a minty-smelling oil that is released when the leaves are torn into tiny shreds.

What’s the difference between catnips?There is a great difference between the catnip you find at the store and the fresh catnip that you might grow in your garden. The fresh catnip retains the most oils that attract the cats. If you are unable to grow catnip leaves, you can find organic catnip at some pet stores or whole foods stores. While it doesn’t have the same amount of oil as fresh leaves, it does retain most of it. You can also find dried catnip at most stores.

It is the least expensive, but it also has the least amount of oil. In addition, you can also find cat toys that have catnip in them so they will want to play with the toys more. Some companies even manufacture a catnip spray that has the same minty scent without the leaves. You can spray this on your cat’s scratching post or anything else you would like to attract him to.

How can I grow natural catnip?Since naturally grown and fresh catnip is the best treat for cats, you can usually find catnip seeds at your local pet store or possibly even your local gardening store. Try to grow it in an area that neighborhood cats will not bother it. If you’d like, you can even grow it in a medium-sized pot in your house. Be sure to keep it in a safe spot, though. Your cat might want to get at it before you have a chance to prepare it properly.

How much catnip can I give to my cat?Catnip for cats should be used sparingly. Only a little bit is needed for your cat to get the effects. The amount of catnip you use will also depend on what type you use. Fresh catnip leaves have more oil in them so you only need a small sprig of a leaf to get the full effect. If you use dried catnip leaves from the store, you may need to sprinkle out a dose about the size of a quarter into your palm.

How long do the catnip effects last?Catnip for cats generally lasts for about 30 minutes.

During that time, your cat will likely be a little crazier and energetic than normal. Once the catnip effects have worn off, though, your cat will probably be tired and exhausted. After a nap, though, she might come back for more.

Why do cats like catnip?Most people wonder why cats like catnip so much. The major reason that they like it is because of the nepetalactone ingredient. This chemical has a scent similar to the sex pheromones of a cat. The reason why cats like catnip is that it is a type of sexual experience for them. Even cats that have been spayed or neutered can experience this arousal because of the catnip effects.

Do all cats like catnip?The majority of cats like catnip leaves and get aroused by their scent. However, about one-third of cats do not experience the catnip effects that other cats do.

Are catnip effects safe for cats?The answer to this question is tricky. Catnip leaves can be safe for cats if you use it in moderation. Instead of using it everyday, catnip should be used sparingly as a treat for cats. In many ways, it acts as a drug to the cat. Think of it in human terms. Even with safe drugs, there is such a thing as taking too much. Catnip for cats is no different. Allow your cat to have catnip, at the most, twice a week if you’d like to give him a treat every once in awhile.

Can my cat overdose on catnip?Since catnip is all-natural, it is highly unlikely that your cat can overdose on catnip. For the most part, it is a harmless substance that makes cats hyper for a short time and then lets them sleep for hours. The only reason you should limit its use is so that they do not become tolerant or immune to the substance.

Does catnip have other uses?Yes, catnip effects can also occur for humans. The Napata plant, from which catnip comes, is a natural plant that also has many healing qualities that humans can take advantage of. If you can get past the name and the fact that it is mainly used for cats, you can use catnip leaves to make catnip tea. Drinking this natural concoction has several benefits. For one, it has been known to help with digestion in humans by softening the digestive tract. It is also soothing to heartburns and it’s often used as a sedative and a sleep aid for humans. For women, catnip leaves have also been known to relieve pain during menstruation, but it can be harmful to pregnant women.

It is also a strong insect repellent. You can either rub the ingredients from the catnip leaves onto your body or place catnip plants around your yard to help keep the mosquitoes and other bugs away.

Can my other pets have catnip?Yes, other pets often have the same reaction as cats to catnip. Even small pets will want to play around in the loose catnip leaves. Since it is an all-natural product, you can be sure that there won’t be any harmful side effects by giving your cats and dogs catnip every few days. In fact, it might even get them energized and make them run around and play more.

Catnip is one of the more common ingredients in cat toys and other things that involve cats. Its minty scent is enough to get the majority of cats and other pets all riled up for a short time. In some ways, you can think of it like sugar for children. They eat it up, go crazy for about 20 or 30 minutes, and then sleep for several hours. Not only that, but you can use it yourself as a natural remedy for several different ailments, including painful menstrual cycles, indigestion and also as an effective insect repellent. As with any product, though, too much of it can backfire and your pet can become immune to its effects after awhile. Be sure to use catnip leaves sparingly as a reward or for some other special reason. Giving them too much can build up their tolerance or even refuse its effects altogether.

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